​​​​​On 24th of February, the Commission for Environment, Climate Change and Energy (ENVE) held the thematic debate 'From COP21 to COP22' addressing the future orientation of its work in the climate policy field and the role of regions and cities in the negotiations process. Joining the debate were MEP Miriam Dalli, Elina Bardman, representing DG Climate, and Yunus Arikan, on behalf on ICLEI. 
 
Cllr Andrew Cooper, member of Kirklees Council and the EA group political coordinator, pointed out the lack of contact with the national government after the Paris agreement, which recognized the important role of cities and regions in combating climate change. He argued that results in this field can only be achieved through collaboration between the various levels of government. ' Local and regional authorities are the ones to implement most of the policies and need to be taken on board in this process', concluded Cllr Cooper.